HK1161715B - Nutritive substance delivery container - Google Patents

Description

Nutrient conveying container

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of container construction.

Background

Many nutrients, which are beneficial if included in a food or beverage product, are sensitive to heat, light, oxygen, and/or moisture. For example, heat sensitive nutrients cannot be added to food or beverage products that require heat sterilization because high sterilization temperatures can destroy or destroy the nutrients. As a result of these limitations, containers have been developed that can isolate the nutritional substances from the food or beverage product prior to consumption. The user may then dispense the nutrients into the food or beverage product just prior to consumption. The present invention is therefore directed to a container that can independently contain nutrients and food or beverage products and can deliver nutrients into the food or beverage product just prior to consumption.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance, comprising a container body comprising: a base at one end thereof; an upper portion adapted to removably receive a cap, the upper portion defining an opening therein; and a cavity defined by the container body, the cavity being in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion. A laminate seal having at least two layers is bonded along the opening of the upper portion and is adapted to provide a hermetic seal along the opening. A nutritive substance is bonded to at least one layer of the laminate seal. The container further includes a lid removably coupled to the upper portion, the lid including a cutting portion adapted to pierce the laminate seal to release a nutritive substance into the container contents.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to an apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance, comprising a container body having: a base at one end thereof; an upper portion adapted to removably receive a lid, the upper portion defining an opening therein; and a cavity defined by the container body, the cavity being in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion. The invention also includes a laminate seal having at least two layers bonded along an opening of the upper portion and adapted to provide an airtight seal along the opening, wherein a nutrient is bonded to at least one layer of the laminate seal. Further, embodiments include a cap removably coupled to the upper portion, the cap including an annular cap, a tear strip coupled to the annular cap, and a cutting portion operatively coupled to the annular cap, wherein the cutting portion is adapted to pierce the seal, wherein the tear strip prevents the cutting portion from piercing the seal, and wherein the seal prevents contact between a nutritive substance and contents of the container until the seal is pierced.

In one embodiment, the invention also relates to a method of making a delivery device, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a container body having: a base at one end thereof; an upper portion at the other end of the body, wherein the upper portion is adapted to removably receive a lid, the upper portion defining an opening therein; a cavity defined by the container body, the cavity being in fluid communication with an opening in an upper portion of the body; and a lid adapted to be removably received on the upper portion;

filling the container with a product;

sterilizing the container filled with the product;

sealing the upper portion of the container with a laminate seal having at least two layers, wherein the nutritive substance is bonded to at least one layer of the laminate seal; and

placing the lid onto the upper portion of the body such that the seal prevents the nutritive substance from contacting the product and prevents the nutritive substance from contacting the environment surrounding the container.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance, comprising a container body comprising: a base at one end thereof; an upper portion adapted to removably receive a cap, the upper portion defining an opening therein; and a cavity defined by the container body, the cavity being in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion. A seal is coupled along the opening of the upper portion of the container and is adapted to provide an airtight seal along the opening. The lid is removably coupled to the upper portion of the container. The nutrient is applied to an element selected from the group consisting of: an inner surface of the upper portion of the container, the lid, an insert positioned above the seal, and combinations thereof. The seal prevents contact between the nutritive substance and the contents of the container until the seal is removed or pierced.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance is provided, including a container body having: a base at one end thereof; an upper portion adapted to removably receive a lid, the upper portion defining an opening therein; and a cavity defined by the container body. The cavity is in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion. The invention also includes a seal coupled along the opening of the upper portion and adapted to provide a hermetic seal along the opening. Embodiments further comprise a cover removably coupled to the upper portion, the cover comprising an annular cap having an upright sidewall and a top surface coupled to the sidewall, wherein the top surface is adapted to allow contents of the container to pass therethrough. Further, this embodiment includes a nutritive substance applied to an insert intermediate a seal and the top surface, wherein the seal prevents contact between the nutritive substance and the contents of the container until the seal is removed or pierced.

In another independent embodiment, a method of making a delivery device is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a container body having: a base at one end thereof; an upper portion at the other end of the body, wherein the upper portion is adapted to removably receive a lid, the upper portion defining an opening therein; a cavity defined by the container body, the cavity being in fluid communication with an opening in an upper portion of the body; and a lid adapted to be removably received on the upper portion;

filling the container with a product;

sterilizing the container filled with the product;

sealing the upper part of the container by a sealing member;

applying a nutrient to an element selected from the group consisting of: an inner surface of the upper portion of the container, the lid, an insert over the seal, and combinations thereof; and

placing the lid onto the upper portion of the body.

In yet another embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus for delivering a nutritive substance, comprising a container body comprising: a base at one end thereof; an upper portion adapted to removably receive a cap, the upper portion defining an opening therein; and a cavity defined by the container body, the cavity being in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion. A laminate seal having at least two layers is bonded along the opening of the upper portion and is adapted to provide an airtight seal along the opening and prevent contact between the nutritive substance and the contents of the container until the seal is altered. The laminate seal includes a first layer permanently bonded to a rim defining the opening in the upper portion of the container and a second layer releasably coupled to the first layer. The nutritive substance is bonded to the first layer of the laminate seal. The container also includes a lid removably coupled to the upper portion.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to an apparatus for delivering nutrients comprising: a container body having a base at one end thereof; an upper portion adapted to removably receive a lid, the upper portion defining an opening therein; and a cavity defined by the container body, the cavity being in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion. This embodiment further comprises a laminate seal having at least three layers, the laminate seal being bonded along the opening of the upper portion and adapted to provide an airtight seal along the opening, wherein a middle layer of the laminate seal comprises a nutritive substance, wherein the laminate seal prevents contact between the nutritive substance and the contents of the container until the seal is altered. In addition, the present invention also includes a cover removably coupled to the upper portion.

In another embodiment, a method of making a delivery device is provided, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a container body having a base at one end thereof; an upper portion at the other end of the body, wherein the upper portion is adapted to removably receive a lid, the upper portion defining an opening therein; a cavity defined by the container body, the cavity in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion; and a lid adapted to be removably received on the upper portion;

filling the container with a product;

sterilizing the container filled with the product;

sealing a container upper portion with a laminate seal, the laminate seal having at least two layers, wherein a first layer of the laminate seal is bonded to a rim of the container, a second layer of the laminate seal is removably coupled to the first layer, and a nutritive substance is bonded to the first layer; and

placing the lid onto the upper portion of the body, wherein the seal prevents the nutritive substance from contacting the product and the environment surrounding the container until the seal is altered.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the top of the container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the top of the container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the top of the container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container top according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away perspective view of the container top shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6A is a plan view of a seal for use in the container of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cut-away perspective view of the container top shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the top of the container shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the container top illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the container top illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the top of the container shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the container top illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the container top illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the top of the container shown in FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the container top illustrated in FIG. 16.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

Detailed Description

One skilled in the art will understand that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the schematic drawings. Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

As mentioned above, the present invention generally relates to the field of container construction. References relating to the construction of the container may include U.S. patent nos. 5707353 and 5921955 to Mazer et al and 6098795 to Mollstam et al.

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a new container which can be used to deliver nutrients to the contents of the container just before the contents of the container are consumed. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a container having a nutritive substance disposed between at least two layers of a laminate seal. The laminate seal may be pierced or altered to release the nutritive substance into the contents of the container before the contents of the container are consumed. In other embodiments, the nutritive substance may be present on the insert or may be coated onto the interior of the container so that it does not contact the contents of the container until the consumer changes the container just prior to consumption.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown an embodiment of a container 10 having a cylindrical top portion 12, a body portion 14, and a lid 16. The cylindrical top 12 and body 14 may be integrally molded (possibly blow molded) from a suitable polymeric material by extrusion or injection so that it is a unitary member having a uniform wall thickness. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof.

Referring particularly to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the cylindrical top portion 12 includes a threaded cylindrical portion 18. The threaded cylindrical portion 18 may have a rim 20 formed at one end thereof that defines an aperture 22 (shown in fig. 4), the aperture 22 being in fluid communication with an internal cavity (not shown) of the body 14. A helical thread 24 may be integrally formed on the outer surface of the threaded cylindrical portion 18 for threadably receiving the cap 16. The helical thread 24 may begin adjacent the rim 20 and may terminate adjacent the flange 26 (shown in fig. 4).

In one embodiment, the cap 16 includes an annular cap 28 having helical threads (not shown) on its inner circumference for operatively engaging the threaded cylindrical top 18. The outer circumference of the annular cap 28 may include ribs or knurls 32 to allow a user to more easily grasp the lid 16 to remove it from the top portion 12 or fit it to the top portion 12. In addition to its internally threaded cylindrical wall, the cap 28 may include an annular end wall 34 having an extension 36 defining a through bore (not shown) therein. A second annular housing 38 having an opening 40 formed therein may be operatively secured to the annular end wall extension 36 such that the second annular housing 38 is movable between a first position in which the second annular housing 38 prevents the contents of the container from flowing through the opening 40 and a second position in which the contents of the container are able to flow through the opening 40. It should be understood that the cover 16 may be formed from any type of cover known in the art.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, a releasable seal 42 may be attached to the rim 20 over the aperture 22 (fig. 4). In some embodiments, the releasable seal 42 includes a semi-circular tab 44 attached along a line 45 (fig. 3) along the center of the releasable seal 42. The tab 44 may be formed of the same material as the releasable seal 42 or may be formed of a different material or coated with a different material to increase the grippability of the tab. Referring to fig. 4, the releasable seal 42 may be a laminate having at least three layers. In one embodiment, the laminate includes a first layer 46, a second layer 48, and a third layer 52. The first layer 46 may include a tab 44 that may be bonded to or integrally formed with the first layer. The second layer 48 may define at least one aperture 50 therethrough. The third layer 52 may also define at least one aperture 54 therethrough. Third layer 52 may include nutrients associated with at least one of layers 46 and 48. In some embodiments, third layer 52 may be disposed between layers 46 and 48. In this embodiment, the third layer is positioned intermediate layers 46 and 48. In certain embodiments, the third layer 52 may be disposed on a top side of the second layer 48. In this configuration, nutritive substance layer 52 is sealed between first and second sealing layers 46 and 48 to prevent the nutritive substance from contacting the contents of the container and/or the environment prior to removal of first layer 46.

The second layer 48 may be permanently bonded to the rim 20, while the first layer 46 may be releasably bonded to the rim 20, the second layer 48, or the third layer 52, such that the second layer 48 and the third layer 52 remain bonded to the rim 20 (shown in FIG. 3) when the first layer 46 is removed. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with such releasably attachable seals. Specifically, an adhesive or heat attaches a seal made of polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, or other suitable material to the rim 20 to form a hermetic seal.

In a particular embodiment, the first layer 46 is releasably bonded to the second layer 48 such that the third layer 52 disposed between the first layer 46 and the second layer 48 does not contact the container contents until the first layer 46 is removed. In this embodiment, the apertures 50 of the second layer may be slightly smaller than the apertures 54 of the third layer. This configuration allows the first layer 46 to be bonded directly to the second layer 48 at the rim of the container and at the aperture 50, thereby sealing the third layer 52 between the first and second layers.

Referring to fig. 2-4, in use, a consumer may remove the lid 16 to expose the releasable seal 42. Removal of the lid 16 does not interfere with the seal unless the seal is cut or removed by the consumer. In this arrangement, nutritive substance layer 52 may be protected from exposure to the environment by first layer 46 of the releasable seal and from exposure to the contents of container 14 by second layer 48 of the releasable seal. When the consumer is ready to consume the contents of the container, the tab 44 may be grasped and pulled away from the rim 20 causing the bond between the first layer 46 and the second layer 48 of the releasable seal to fail, thereby exposing the nutritive substance layer 52 to the environment. When the first sealant layer 46 is removed, the second sealant layer 48 maintains its bond with the rim 20. Once the first sealing layer 46 is removed, the cap 16 can be replaced on the threaded cylindrical portion 18, thereby resealing the container. When the lid 16 is replaced on the container, each time the consumer inverts the container, the contents of the container flow from the container through the apertures 22, 50 and 54, thereby contacting the nutritive substance layer 52, providing a gradual release of the nutritive substance prior to or during consumption.

In other embodiments, the releasable seal 42 comprises two layers: a first layer 46 and a second layer 48. The first layer 46 may include tabs 44, which may be bonded to or integrally formed with the first layer. The second layer 48 may define at least one aperture 50 therethrough. The nutritive substance may be bonded to the upper side of second layer 48 so as to be disposed between first layer 46 and second layer 48. The second layer 48 may be permanently bonded to the rim 20, while the first layer 46 may be releasably bonded to the second layer 48 such that when the first layer 46 is removed, the second layer 48 remains bonded to the rim 20. In use, the tab 44 may be grasped and pulled away from the rim 20, causing the bond between the first layer 46 and the second layer 48 of the releasable seal to fail and expose the nutritive substance to the environment. The cap 16 may be replaced on the threaded cylindrical portion 18 to reseal the container, and as the cap 16 is replaced on the container, each time the consumer inverts the container, the contents of the container flow from the container through the aperture 22 and the aperture 50 to come into contact with the nutritive substance to provide a gradual release of the nutritive substance prior to or during consumption.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, in another embodiment, the container 110 includes a cylindrical top portion 112, a body portion (not shown but similar to that shown in fig. 1), and a lid 116. The cylindrical top portion 112 and body portion may be integrally molded (possibly blow molded) from a suitable polymeric material by extrusion or injection so that it is a unitary member having a uniform wall thickness. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, the cylindrical top portion 112 may include a threaded cylindrical portion 118 at one end thereof that defines a rim 120. The rim 120 may define an aperture 122 in fluid communication with an internal cavity 130 defined by the cylindrical top portion 112. The cylindrical top portion 118 may be adapted to removably receive the cap 116 via a helical thread 124, which helical thread 124 may be integrally formed on the threaded cylindrical portion 18. The helical thread 124 may begin adjacent the rim 120 and may terminate adjacent the flange 126.

In some embodiments, the cap 116 includes an annular cap 128 (FIG. 5) having helical threads 130 on its inner circumference (FIG. 6) for removably securing the cap 128 to the externally threaded cylindrical top portion 118. The outer circumference 132 of the annular cap 28 may include ribs or knurls 134 (fig. 5) to allow a user to more easily grasp the cap 116 to remove it from the top portion 112 or fit it to the top portion 112. In addition to its internally threaded cylindrical wall, cap 128 may include an annular end wall 136 having an extension 138 (shown in FIG. 6) defining a through bore 140 (FIG. 5) therein. A second annular housing 142 having an opening 144 therein may be operatively secured to the annular end wall extension 138 such that the second annular housing 142 may be moved between a first position in which the second housing 142 prevents the contents of the container from flowing through the opening 144 and a second position in which the contents of the container are able to flow through the opening 140. A cutting portion or blade 154 may extend axially downwardly from the lower surface of annular end wall 136 to adjacent rim 120. It should be understood that the cover 116 may be formed from any type of suitable cover known in the art.

Referring to fig. 6, a releasable seal 146 may be attached to the rim 120 above the aperture 122. Referring to fig. 6A, the releasable seal 146 may be formed from a laminate having at least three layers. In one embodiment, the laminate includes a nutritive substance layer 150 between upper layer 148 and lower layer 149. It is to be understood that nutritive substance layer 150 may be disposed between upper layer 148 and lower layer 149. In other embodiments, the releasable seal 146 includes two layers: an upper layer 148 and a lower layer 149. The nutrients can be bonded to the top side of lower layer 149 or to the bottom side of upper layer 148. In any of the above embodiments, the releasable seal 146 may be permanently bonded to the rim 120. Thus, removal of the cap 16 does not interfere with the seal unless the seal is cut or removed. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that this seal configuration may be used with any of the embodiments described herein.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, tear strip 152 holds cover 116 in a raised position (fig. 5) on cylindrical top 112 so that blade 154 does not engage releasable seal 146. That is, when tear strip 152 is in place (fig. 5), the tear strip interferes with further tightening of cover 116 so that blade 154 does not engage seal 146. The tear strip also acts as a tamper band preventing the cap from being removed prior to purchase by the consumer. The tear strip may be attached to the bottom edge of the annular cap 128 in a number of ways. For example, the tear strip 152 may be integrally formed with the ring cap 128 with a gap 155 formed therein to allow a consumer to tear the strip off the cap. In other embodiments, the tear strip 152 may be connected to the lower edge of the annular cap 128 by a plurality of relatively thin and frangible separation tongues or webs (not shown). An internal, radially inwardly projecting and angularly extending ridge (not shown) may be formed on the inner circumference of tear strip 152 that engages flange 126 of the lower surface. Thus, when the ring cap 116 is unscrewed from the container, the tension rotationally secures the tear strip to the flange. When the annular cover is rotationally removed, tension and torsion forces applied to the web cause the web to break, allowing the cover 116 to be completely removed. If the lid 116 is removed, the releasable seal 146 remains intact, thereby protecting the contents of the container and the nutrients from exposure to the environment and each other.

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, in use, a consumer may remove the tear strip 152 (fig. 6) and rotate the cap 116 clockwise (see fig. 6). As the cover 116 is rotated, the blade 154 is pulled downward to contact the releasable seal 146, which causes the blade 154 to cut the seal. Continued rotation of lid 116 in the clockwise direction (fig. 7) causes blade 154 to cut an arc 156 through the releasable seal adjacent rim 120, thereby exposing the nutritive substance layer to the environment and the contents of the container. When tear strip 152 is attached, blade 154 may be positioned adjacent releasable seal 146 so that only a minimal amount of rotation is required to cut through releasable seal 146. In this configuration, each time the consumer inverts the container when the lid 116 is in its rotated position, the contents of the container flow from the container through the aperture 22 into contact with the nutritive substance layer, which provides a gradual release of the nutritive substance during consumption of the product.

It should be understood that a tear strip is not necessary in this embodiment. Any means of preventing the blade 154 from contacting the releasable seal 146 prior to consumption of the product may be used in this embodiment.

Referring to fig. 8, in yet another embodiment, an illustrative container 210 includes a generally rectangular body 212 and a lid 214. The container body in this embodiment need not be rectangular and may be of any suitable shape. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof. The body 212 may include an opening 244 (fig. 11) formed on the top surface on which the lid 214 is bonded.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 9 and 10, the cover 214 has a body 216, the body 216 having a base 218 formed at one end of a vertical wall 220, and a flange 222 formed at the other end. An annular cap 224 may be received by the upright wall 220 and defines an inwardly directed flange 226 that cooperates with the upright wall flange 222. The annular cap 224 may include a top surface 228 connected to a shoulder 230 by a plurality of ribs 232. A plurality of apertures 234 may be defined between the ribs 232. The annular cap top surface 228 may define a downwardly directed cutting portion or spike 236, which may be formed from a flat body or may include a plurality of ribs or spikes positioned transversely to one another. A tear strip 238 (fig. 9) may be connected to a bottom edge of the annular cap 224 to maintain the annular cap 224 in an extended position relative to the body 216. In other words, tear strip 238 may prevent annular cap 224 from being pressed downward relative to vertical wall 220.

Referring to fig. 10, a seal 240 may be bonded to a top surface 242 of the container 212 to seal an opening 244 (fig. 11). Seal 240 may be a laminate having at least three layers, one of which is a nutritive substance layer. In some embodiments, a nutritive substance layer is disposed between the first and second laminates. In other embodiments, the sealing member 240 may be a laminate having two layers, and the nutritive substance may be bonded to a top side of the lower layer or a bottom side of the upper layer such that the nutritive substance is disposed between the upper and lower layers.

Referring to fig. 11, in use, a consumer may remove tear strip 238 (fig. 10) and press annular cap 224 downward relative to body vertical wall 220. As annular cap 224 moves downward, spike 236 begins to pierce seal 240. The consumer may continue to press the annular cap 224 downward until the inwardly directed flange 226 bottoms out and abuts the base 218, which will pierce the largest hole 248 in the seal 240, thereby exposing the nutritive substance layer to the contents of the container. In this arrangement, the cover 214 is in its closed first position with the inwardly directed flange 226 of the annular cap engaging the second outwardly extending flange 246 on the body vertical wall 220, thereby retaining the cover in the closed position. When closed, the consumer may shake the contents of the container to contact the contents of the container with the nutritive substance.

If the user pulls the annular cap 224 upward, the inwardly directed flange 226 of the annular cap moves past the flange 246 and is prevented from moving further upward when it contacts the outwardly directed flange 222 of the vertical wall. In this position, each time the consumer inverts the container, the contents of the container flow from the container through the aperture 248 into contact with the nutritive substance layer, which provides a gradual release of the nutritive substance during consumption of the product. Similar to the previously described embodiments, the structure of the seal 240 protects the nutritive substance from exposure to the environment and the contents of the container prior to piercing the seal, thereby extending the shelf life of the nutritive substance. In this embodiment, the seal 240 provides a seal on the container 212 and provides a means for carrying nutrients.

It should be understood that a tear strip is not necessary in this embodiment. Any means of preventing spike 236 from contacting releasable seal 246 prior to consumption of the product may be used in this embodiment.

Referring to fig. 12 and 13, in yet another embodiment, a container 310 is shown having a top portion 312, a body portion 314, and a lid 316. The top 310 and body 314 may be integrally molded (may be blow molded) from a suitable polymeric material by extrusion or injection so that it is a unitary member having a uniform wall thickness. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof.

Referring to fig. 13 and 14, the top 312 may include a threaded cylindrical portion 318 defining a rim 320. The rim 320 may define an aperture 322 (fig. 15) in fluid communication with an interior cavity (not shown) of the body 314. In some embodiments, the cylindrical top 318 is adapted to removably receive the cap 316 by a helical thread 324 integrally formed on the threaded cylindrical portion 318. The helical thread 324 may begin adjacent the rim 320 and may terminate adjacent the flange 326.

The cap 316 may include an annular cap 328 having helical threads 329 (fig. 14) on its inner circumference for removably securing the cap 328 to the externally threaded cylindrical top 318. The outer circumference 330 of the annular cap 328 may include ribs or knurls 332 to allow a user to more easily grasp the cap 316 to remove it from the top portion 312 or fit it to the top portion 312. In addition to its internally threaded cylindrical wall, cap 328 includes an annular end wall 334 having an extension 336 defining a bore 337 (FIG. 14) therethrough. A second annular enclosure 338 having an opening 340 (fig. 15) therein may be operatively secured to the annular end wall extension 336 such that the second annular enclosure 338 may be moved between a first position in which the second annular enclosure 338 prevents the contents of the container from flowing through the opening 340 and a second position in which the contents of the container are able to flow through the opening 340. In particular, when second annular housing 338 is in the first position (fig. 14), top surface 341 blocks aperture 340, and when in its second position (fig. 15), top surface 341 moves away from aperture 240 to allow the contents of the container to flow therethrough. It should be appreciated that the cover 316 may be formed from any type of suitable cover known in the art.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, a releasable seal 342 may be attached to rim 320 above aperture 322 (fig. 15). The releasable seal 342 may include a pull tab (not shown) for removing the seal from the rim 320. The tab may be formed of the same material as the releasable seal 342 or may be formed of or coated with a different material to increase the grippability of the tab. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with such releasably attachable seals and pull tabs. Removal of the cap 316 does not interfere with the seal unless the seal 342 is cut or removed.

The nutrient coated insert 352 may be snap fit or press fit inside the annular end wall extension 336 or may be secured in place by any other suitable method. In alternative embodiments, the nutritive substance may be coated directly on the inner surface of the extension 336 of the annular end wall or on any portion of the annular cap 328 or lid 316 that comes into contact with the contents of the container at the time of consumption. In yet another embodiment, insert 352 may be secured within annular end wall extension 336 and the nutritive substance may be coated directly on the inner surface of annular end wall extension 336. If used, the insert 352 may be placed within the housing just prior to the capping process downstream of the filling/sealing process so that the nutrients are exposed to the environment for only a limited period of time. The use of an insert may allow retrofitting of standard lids using the insert without the need to redesign the lid.

In use, a consumer may remove the lid 316 to expose the releasable seal 342. When the tab of the releasable seal is pulled away from the rim 320, tension applied to the bond between the releasable seal 342 and the rim 320 disables the bond, allowing the user to remove the releasable seal. In the arrangement shown in fig. 15, the insert 352 is then exposed to the environment and the product within the container 314. The cap 316 can then be replaced on the threaded cylindrical portion 318 to reseal the container. When the lid 316 is replaced on the container, each time the consumer inverts the container, the product contained therein flows from the container through the aperture 322 into contact with the insert 352, which provides a gradual release of the nutritive substance during or prior to consumption of the container contents.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, in yet another embodiment, a container 410 includes a generally rectangular body 412 and a lid 414. The container body in this embodiment need not be rectangular but may be of any suitable shape. The cap 414 may include a threaded cylindrical body 418, the threaded cylindrical body 418 defining a rim 420 at one end and terminating at a base 422 at an opposite end. The rim 420 may define a bore that extends through the threaded cylindrical body 418 and that is in fluid communication with a cavity (not shown) of the body 412. The aperture may be configured to releasably receive a removable seal having a pull ring 426 connected to a circular base 428 by a tab 425 (fig. 18). The removable circular seal base 428 may seal a through-hole 432 (fig. 18) formed in the rectangular body 412, allowing the contents of the container 412 to be sealed therein.

A threaded cylindrical body 418 is adapted to threadedly receive the removable cap 416. The inner circumference of threaded cylindrical body 418 may be coated with a nutritive substance layer 430 on the surface above the connection of circular seal base 428 and threaded cylindrical body 418. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that nutritive substance layer 430 may take various forms so long as the nutritive substance is held in place over circular seal base 428 of the lid. Thus, the insert with the nutrient coating may be press fit into the inner circumference of the threaded cylindrical body 418.

The cylindrical top 418 and body 412 may be integrally molded (which may be blow molded) from a suitable polymeric material by extrusion or injection so that it is a unitary member having a uniform wall thickness. Suitable polymers for forming the container include, but are not limited to, polystyrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the top 418 may be joined to the body 412 by a threaded cylindrical body base 422.

Referring to FIG. 18, in use, a consumer may pull tab 426 (FIG. 18), causing circular seal base 428 to break away from the inner circumference of threaded top 418. Once the ring 426 is completely removed, the contents of the container 412 may be exposed to the nutrient coating 430. The consumer may then place the cap 416 over the threaded cylindrical top 418 so that the contents may be shaken, thereby directing the nutritive substance into the contents of the container. And, each time the container 412 is tilted to pour the contents, a gradual release of the nutritive substance is achieved.

In each of the above examples, the nutrient may be any nutrient known in the art. For example, the nutrient may be a macronutrient, a micronutrient, a bioactive agent, a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, a probiotic, a prebiotic, a vitamin, a mineral, or a combination thereof. The nutritive substance may be a substance that is sensitive to heat, light, oxygen, moisture, or any component contained within the container body. In one embodiment, the nutritive substance is maintained aseptically until the user desires to mix the nutritive substance and the product within the container.

In a particular embodiment, the nutrient is a probiotic. The probiotic may be any probiotic known in the art. In a particular embodiment, the probiotic bacteria are impregnated in a gum matrix. In some embodiments, the gum base may include a plant starch, an instant hydratable starch, a pregelatinized starch, an instant cold soluble starch, a decomposable starch, a fixed food grade resin, or a low melting point fat impregnated with a decomposable starch. In particular embodiments, the gum base may include a low melting point fat impregnated with a destructured starch that swells and releases the probiotic upon contact with water. In another embodiment, the gum matrix may include a fixed food grade resin that may be used to absorb the probiotic bacteria. The immobilized food grade resin readily releases probiotics when contacted with water. In particular embodiments, a hydrophilic substance (e.g., an emulsifier) may be included in the gum base to aid in the release of the probiotic upon contact with the product.

In another embodiment, the probiotic may be applied as a powder, suspended in an oil-based or wax-based suspension. Any oil or wax known in the art may be used in this embodiment as long as it does not adversely affect the properties of the container or the contents of the container.

In at least one embodiment, the probiotic may be lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. In another embodiment, the probiotic may be Bifidobacterium BB-12. In a particular embodiment, the probiotic may be a combination of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and bifidobacterium BB-12. In some embodiments, the probiotic is present at a level of about 1 x 10⁵Colony forming units (cfu) per gram formula to about 1X 10¹⁰cfu per gram of formula. In other embodiments, the probiotic is present at a level of about 1 x 10⁶Colony forming units (cfu) per gram formula to about 1X 10⁹cfu per gram formulaWithin the range. In some embodiments, the probiotic is present at a level of about 1 x 10⁶Colony forming units (cfu) per gram formula to about 1X 10⁸cfu per gram of formula.

Because many probiotics are heat sensitive and can be destroyed or killed if subjected to heat treatments that are necessary for many food or beverage products, the present invention provides compartmentalized storage of probiotics. In the present invention, the product contained within the container may undergo heat treatment or sterilization during packaging. The seal comprising the probiotic layer may be adhered to the container after the product has been enclosed in the container and sterilized. Alternatively, the probiotic may be contained on an insert as described herein or may be coated on the upper portion of the container or within the container lid. The package may then be prepared for shipment or display. In these configurations, the probiotic is not subjected to destructive heat treatment during packaging and, while remaining separate from the product itself until consumed, the two may be intermixed.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the invention includes a method of manufacturing a delivery device, comprising: a) providing a container as described herein; b) filling the container with the product; c) sterilizing the container filled with the product; d) Sealing the container with a laminate seal as described herein; e) a lid is placed over the container.

The product contained within the container may be any product known in the art. In some embodiments, the product is in a form selected from a liquid, a ready-to-use product, a liquid concentrate, a fluid, a powder, a suspension, an emulsion, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the product contained within the container is a food or beverage product. In a particular embodiment, the product contained within the container is a nutritional supplement for a child or adult.

While the container itself may be constructed of a polymer such as polystyrene, polystyrene-acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-maleic anhydride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinylcyclohexane, and blends thereof, the container may also be made of paper, paperboard, or other fibrous material, optionally coated with a plastic material or foil layer. Similarly, the container may be constructed of a flexible film, thereby providing a flexible pouch.

These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Further, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Also, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description is illustrative only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention, as further described in the appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

Claims (24)

1. An apparatus for delivering nutrients comprising:

a. a container body, the container body comprising:

(i) a base at one end of the base, wherein the base is provided with a plurality of grooves,

(ii) an upper portion adapted to removably receive a cap, the upper portion defining an opening therein, an

(iii) A cavity defined by the container body, the cavity in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion,

b. a laminate seal having at least two layers, the laminate seal bonded along an opening of the upper portion and adapted to provide an airtight seal along the opening, wherein a nutrient is bonded to at least one layer of the laminate seal; and

c. a lid removably coupled to the upper portion, the lid comprising an annular cap and a cutting portion operatively coupled to the annular cap, wherein the cutting portion is adapted to pierce the seal, wherein the seal prevents contact between a nutritive substance and contents of the container until the seal is pierced.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the cutting portion coupled to a bottom of the annular cap top surface and extending axially downward toward the seal such that rotation of the annular cap relative to the container body upper portion in a first direction causes the cutting portion to pierce and cut the seal.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a tear strip coupled to the annular cap, wherein the tear strip prevents the cutting portion from piercing the seal.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tear strip prevents the annular cap from rotating in a first direction relative to the container, thereby preventing the cutting portion from piercing the seal.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein when the tear strip is removed from the annular cap, the annular cap is rotatable in a first direction relative to the container such that the cutting portion moves downward relative to the seal such that the cutting portion pierces the seal.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nutritive substance is bonded to a top side of an underlying layer of laminate seals.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nutritive substance is bonded to a bottom side of the upper layer of the laminate seal.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an intermediate layer comprises the nutrient.

9. An apparatus for delivering nutrients comprising:

a. a container body, the container body comprising:

(i) a base at one end of the base, wherein the base is provided with a plurality of grooves,

(ii) an upper portion adapted to removably receive a cap, the upper portion defining an opening therein, an

(iii) A cavity defined by the container body, the cavity in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion,

b. a seal coupled along an opening of the upper portion and adapted to provide a hermetic seal along the opening;

c. a lid removably coupled to the upper portion; and

d. a nutrient applied to an element selected from the group consisting of: an inner surface of the upper portion of the container, the lid, an insert located above the seal, and combinations thereof, wherein the seal prevents contact between the nutritive substance and contents of the container until the seal is removed or pierced.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, the lid further comprising an annular cap having a vertical sidewall and a top surface coupled to the sidewall, wherein the top surface is adapted to allow the contents of the container to pass therethrough, and the nutritive substance is coated on a surface intermediate the seal and the top surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the nutritive substance is coated on an insert that is press-fit into the annular cap.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the nutrient is coated directly on the vertical sidewall of the annular cap.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the nutritive substance is coated on an inner periphery of the upper portion of the container.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, the seal further comprising a tab coupled to the seal, wherein the tab facilitates removal of the seal from the container by a user.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, the seal further comprising:

a. a circular seal base removably coupled to an inner wall defined by the container upper portion; and

b. a ring connected to the circular seal base by tabs.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein when the ring is pulled away from the container upper portion, the circular seal base breaks away from an inner wall of the upper portion, thereby allowing the contents of the container to come into contact with the nutritive substance.

17. An apparatus for delivering nutrients comprising:

a. a container body, the container body comprising:

(i) a base at one end of the base, wherein the base is provided with a plurality of grooves,

(ii) an upper portion adapted to removably receive a cap, the upper portion defining an opening therein, an

b. A cavity defined by the container body, the cavity in fluid communication with the opening of the upper portion,

c. a laminate seal having at least two layers, the laminate seal joined along an opening of the upper portion and adapted to provide a hermetic seal along the opening, wherein the laminate seal comprises:

(i) a first layer permanently bonded to a rim defining the opening in the upper portion of the container, an

(ii) A second layer removably coupled to the first layer, wherein a nutritive substance is bonded to the first layer, and wherein the seal prevents contact between the nutritive substance and contents of the container until the seal is pierced; and

d. a cover removably coupled to the upper portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the laminate seal prevents contact between the nutritive substance and the environment until the seal is pierced.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the nutritive substance is disposed on an upper side of the first layer.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the nutritive substance is disposed between the first layer and the second layer.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the laminate seal comprises three layers, and wherein a middle layer of the laminate seal comprises the nutritive substance.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first layer and the intermediate layer of the laminate seal define at least one aperture therethrough.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the pores in the first layer are smaller than the pores in the intermediate layer.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, the seal further comprising a tab coupled to the second layer of the seal to assist a user in removing the second layer of the seal from the first layer of the seal.